dab
verb (used with object)
to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist.
dabbed
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past participleof dab.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof dab.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
dabverb (used with object)to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the rear open kitchen, Manon Fleury turned humble winter produce into memorable dishes: Fried sweet-potato threads mimicked a mini funnel cake, dabbed with loquat jam.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 14, 2026
Afterwards Nawat appeared at a press conference wearing a tuxedo and openly weeping as he theatrically dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief, claiming he had been "betrayed".
From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2025
He frequently dabbed at the eye and found it difficult to match Rodriguez's pace.
From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2025
His sister Ashley Biden, watching from the courtroom, dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and eventually left.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 4, 2024
I took it all in: the firm but biscuit-doughy feel of Big Ma’s arms; her gardenia talcum powder and Dixie Peach hair grease dabbed under her wig around her temples.
From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia
